Chick-fil-A Bowl: LSU (10-2) vs. Clemson (10-2)

When: Dec. 31

Chick-fil-A Bowl: DeAndre Hopkins is part of a high-powered attack for Clemson. (AP Photo)

Where: Atlanta

Time/TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

Excuse Clemson if it gets a little squeamish at this time of year. After all, the Tigers did experience one of the bowl season’s biggest collapses last season when West Virginia hung 70 on them. Clemson’s offense hasn’t be an issue—the usual suspects in QB Tajh Boyd, wide receivers DeAndre Hopkins and Sammy Watkins and running back Andre Ellington are back. But can they do it against an SEC defense? In two games against SEC foes this season, Clemson has averaged about 21 points less than its average of 42.3. LSU’s defense is eighth nationally in yards allowed and 11th in points allowed. Clemson’s defense again has had issues, this time under first-year coordinator Brent Venables. The Tigers have allowed 411.0 yards per game, which is worse than last season’s 394.4. LSU’s offense isn’t the quick-strike type, though. QB Zach Mettenberger started the season slow, but in three of the final four regular-season games he threw for at least 270 yards.

NFL prospect to watch: Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU. He plays defensive end for the Tigers, but his skill set and size (6-5, 240) are better suited for him to play off the edge in a 3-4 scheme. Mingo, a junior, will be busy chasing Boyd in this game.

SN’s pick: LSU. The Bayou Tigers were one of the best teams in the nation for most of the season. Clemson needs this victory to prove it can compete with elite teams outside of the ACC. But that’s not going to happen—this is the sort of game Les Miles enjoys meeting the challenge.

Instant replay: This bowl has matched up ACC vs. SEC schools since 1992, and the conferences are even at 10-10 since.